3 Questions You Must Ask Your Plumber About Slab Leaks

Water can have a devastating impact on your home’s foundation. Perhaps you have noticed your bill spike unreasonably, or your floor is suspiciously soggy. Whatever the case is, there may be a slab leak to blame.

Water leaks caused by a malfunctioning plumbing system can severely harm the concrete slab. This situation arises for several reasons like incorrect water pressure and poor construction. Since you probably don’t know much about plumbing, you may want a professional to intervene.

Be careful about the company that you choose to employ in this situation. Instead of hiring the cheapest plumber, hire the most reputable one.

Reading the reviews is a must before you finalize anything. Amateurs can exacerbate the problem by taking rash or inept decisions that put your home at risk.

You might have a slab leak right under your nose. Once you hire a plumber, here are some queries that you should direct towards him!

What are the causes of a slab leak?

Many houses are built on top of concrete slabs. There is no doubt that the foundation plays a vital role in giving any building structural integrity.

However, due to some unfortunate circumstances, the foundation may be damaged. Often this phenomenon is also referred to as a slab leak.

Don’t be overwhelmed if you suspect that something is wrong with the foundation. Understanding more about this issue will help you deal with it more wisely. The expertise of a plumber will be vital in helping you figure out the more about slab leaks.

It would help if you informed all the indicators of a slab leak to the plumber. Only then will he be able to ascertain the probability of this scenario. You should check for common symptoms before you contact the plumbing company.

Here are a few troubling signs that indicate the presence of a slab leak:

One of the first red flags that may be noticed is an inflated water bill.

There is a presence of damp flooring or carpets which release a foul odour throughout the home.

The sound of running water is audible despite all faucets being turned off.

The presence of mould and mildew is apparent.

Excessive cracking on both the flooring and the walls is visible.

Odd warm patches are appearing on the floor.

The release of hot water from a cold faucet is a common occurrence.

After you explain the current situation to the plumber, you can proceed to ask him for the causes. Some of the possible reasons why a slab leak occurs include:

The soil beneath the concrete slab is incredibly soft, which allowed the slab to shift.

The pipe quality is inferior, and the joints are soldered poorly.

The fluctuating water pressure causes the pipe to crack at places.

Harsh quality of water harms the plumbing fixtures.

The plumbing infrastructure is outdated; hence it is highly prone to fracturing.

Excessive wear and tear to the pipes trigger leaks in the slab.

Underground pipes face galvanic corrosion due to metals in the soil, which trigger corrosion.

The plumber will be better able to explain what causes a slab leak. Moreover, he may also be able to isolate issues that are more probable in your situation.

How to confirm there is a slab leak?

Asking this question is vital because the plumber can highlight the options that best suit the circumstances.

Once it seems apparent that a slab leak has occurred, you may want the plumber to confirm this hypothesis. However, you may feel anxious at the possibility of there being excavation at your residence.

Traditionally excavation needed to happen for the diagnosis of a slab leak. However, today this is not the case. Modern equipment enables plumbers to confirm an issue without using invasive techniques.

Usually, professionals use video inspection cameras to confirm the existence of a slab leak. You will probably have to pay an upfront fee for this service. This cost may lie anywhere between $125 and $400. Failure to detect the slab leak and take corrective action may cause repair costs to be as high as $4000.

A plumber is capable of isolating the location, which requires repair. Moreover, he has access to equipment which he can use effortlessly. Therefore, it may be a good idea to trust your plumber with slab leak detection.

What repair options do I have for slab leaks?

Asking your plumber for the best repair options for slab leaks is vital. After all, it helps you set the right expectations and plan the process accordingly.

Generally, there are two methods to repair slab leaks. The traditional one involves excavation, which can disrupt your household immensely. On the other hand, modern or trenchless plumbing is both non-invasive and more cost-effective.

At times the pipe must be repaired while at other times the entire line may have to be replaced. The expert has to inspect the plumbing infrastructure to ascertain the best course of action. You can even direct your concerns about repair-related costs to him.

Before the procedure starts, do ask for a repair estimate. Don’t avoid taking action because of stinginess or lethargy. The last thing anyone would want is to experience a sinking house or ground that appears to slide. No wealth is valuable enough to justify risking your life.

Amateurs hired for repairing the slab leak may end up excavating more land than what is feasible. Their unwise decisions may drain your wallet more than you would desire. So never rely on any Tom, Dick, and Harry, when it comes to the integrity of your water system!

Final Thoughts

A slab leak transforms into a frightening experience because of negligence. If you’ve noticed a spike in the bill or soggy flooring, contact the plumber right away. Feel free to direct your queries to him.

The professional should be able to highlight why slab leaks occur and how they can be confirmed. Moreover, he should also be able to list appropriate repair options for you. Whatever you do, don’t let your lust for money put your home into a plumbing fiasco.